HIGH-EFFICIENCY SINGLE-CRYSTAL SILICON SO LAR-CELLS

100 mu m thick high efficiency single crystal solar cell with the conv ersion efficiency of 17% under AM0 (Air Mass 0) and 28 degrees C, has been developed as the power source of space satellites. This solar cel l has the NRS/BSF (Non-Reflective Surface/totally diffused BSF), and p assivated rear and front surfaces. The solar cell has 17 mW/cm(2) elec trical output which is 21% higher than that of 100 mu m thick conventi onal flat surface BSFR cell after 1MeV electron irradiation up to 1E15 e/cm(2). The solar cell satisfied the reliability requirements for sp ace use and are going to be qualified by NASDA (National Space Develop ment of Agency of Japan) type approval program. Some satellite program s of NASDA, ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) and fo reign countries are decided to use the solar cells.